For freedom's battle once begun, dozen But freedom's battle has never been fought upon right principles, upon those principles which can alone ensure complete success. I bave studied with attention the history of my own and other countries, but in none of its pages can I find the trace of a pure policy, & moral science, or the practice of justice. Go forth my sons, said the well-known Swedish minister, and see with how little wisdom the world is governed; but we lucky Englishmen, who are blessed with the perfection of government, need not travel to justify the Swedish statesman. fails to produce peace, charity, and love, is the state, we might as well preach to stone, as false, and should be destroyed. If so, wha to reason them out of a partial pursuit of truth religion shall escape the damnation of hell," or the partial practice of honesty. The nation for where is there peace, charity, and love? is so thoroughly christianised, that I do not Echo answers, where? Priests are the incar- think of the swarms of Jumpers, Shakers, nated essence of religions, and they truly "seek | Ranters, and the "innumerable numbers" of the kingdom of god and his righteousness," maw-wormers, who have turned the houses of that "all the rest may be added unto them." prayer into dens of thieves, that a They tell us that "the sacrifices of god are a honest patriots are left. I look to your party broken spirit," that "broken and contrite with some hope that it will yet make a firm hearts he will not despise," and, to do them stand for freedom. justice, they furnish their god with abundance of such "sacrifices." Even the most gentle and merciful of all priests, are anything but lambs. A writer in the British Friend of India Magazine says, that even now," Brahmins and other bigh caste Hindoos, hold the inferior castes in such extreme contempt, that the brahminical code puts the laity to death for the most trivial and venial offences committed against their superiors. For instance, if a low caste person looks at a brahmin, he incurs mutilation. In the Hindoo Institutes of Menu," it is written, that "a twice-born man who barely assaults a brahmin with intent to hurt him, shall be whirled about for a century in hell. He who through ignorance of the laws sheds blood from the body of a brahmin, shall feel excessive pain in his future life; as many particles of dust as the blood shall roll up from the ground, for so many years shall the shedder of that blood be mangled by other animals at his next birth." Are not priests lucky men, and those called brahmins particularly so, for in addition to the above, and many other laws to vindicate their holiness, there is one exceedingly curious, which punishes severely all who are rash and foolish enough to overpower them in argument. I know your party errs in ignorance and not in cunning, at least I have so much of confidence in its integrity as to think so, but conscientious mistakes are just as fatal as those springing from the vilest motives; none do more mischief than weak people with good intentions, hence the saying that good intentions form hell's pavement. The great error of your party, the parent, has been the attempt to unite principles utterly incompatible, as faith with reason, religion with philosophy, honesty with dishonesty; which charge I protest is not made in heat, or for factious purposes, but from deliberate conviction that the time has now arrived for men to take sides, to choose between old and new ideas, the wild rants of ancient and most "cunningly-devised fables," and the glorious truths of science, to determine whether the next shall indeed be an "Age of Reason," or as all the past, an Age of Folly. Were I not convinced that yours is the most advanced, and as a consequence, the most liberal party in existence, I should not waste ink and paper in pointing out its inconsistencies and corruption; for as to any other party in There is but one force that can destroy, or even modify this state of things, a state of things seemingly beneficial to the few, but really disastrous to all; that force is an enlightened public opinion, a public opinion that shall be untainted by superstition, and freed from the tyranny of priests; a public opinion that would promote the growth of virtue by rewarding it, abolish rascality by making it unprofitable, and cut short the life of tyranny by rendering it impossible that any could be tyrants. Opinion governs the world; aye, truly, but the query I want answered is, how can we purify and emancipate opinion? A free press, free speech, and a few grains of honesty in the leaders of such parties as yours might do the trick. But these desiderata belong at present to the good impracticables; for a free press we have not, free speech is merely spoken about, and politicians cannot afford so much as a grain of unadulterated stuff. The It is certain that society, especially in this country, has greatly changed, I will not say improved, during the last fifty years. people have undoubtedly increased their stock of knowledge, though the quantum of wisdom may have received but few additions; the effect of this must be that the pen will, not merely rule, but supersede the sword. The wars to come will be but paper ones, at least I trust so, for as the Duke of Wellington objects to "little wars," the people, though not quite cured, have a horror of big ones. They begin to understand that war is a game, That were the people wise It is evident that all practice is contingent not paying him his wages. Why, you scoun drel, exclaims the don, what reason have you IS THERE A GOD? VIII. on opinion, whether that opinion be purely Now I want your party to "push on, keep oving," which it can only hope to do by leadg, instead of following, opinion. By a bold and oble course of action that will command the imiration and support of the wise and good, u short, by an honest practice in perfect conistency with honest principles, a practice that, ike the " city upon a hill," will be the ob served of all observers. Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise, It has been observed, I think by Hume, that C. S. "Eyes were no more designed to see than stones to break heads."-FRENCH ACADEMICIAN. It is pretended by theologians, that even though it were granted to the Atheist that the existence of a god could not be otherwise proved, it is demonstated by the clear evidences of design in the universe. The Reverend George Stanley Faber affirms in his book on "The Difficulties of Infidelity," that the existence of a god is decidedly proved by the very "Evident design," says he, "must needs imply a designer. But evident design is conspicuous in every part of the universe, and the wider our physical researches are extended, the more conspicuously does this design appear." Therefore, just as we argue the existence of a watchmaker from the evident design which may be observed in a watch, so we argue the existence of a creator from the evident design which may be observed in the universe. Thus the Rev. Mr. Faber, whose notions upon the question are neither novel nor striking. This favourite illustration of the watch has been sadly hacknied. He drew it from Paley, Paley stole it from Condillac, and where he got it from, is not of much consequence. Lablé sarcastically observed, that had watches never been made, the existence of a god could never have been proved, which seems not improbable, seeing the unsparing use made of it by theologians. The rev. gentleman deals cleverly, though somewhat roughly, with the Deists, denying that a Deist though he admit there is one god, the creator and moderator of all things, can be sure without the help of revelation, whether the designing power be one or many gods. He makes short work with the Deists; but deism, considered as a philosophic system, is utterly indefensible; nor does he forget to abuse the Atheists, but he attempts not to wrestle with their principles. The following passages are worthy of attention: "It is perfectly true, that evident design must needs imply a designer; and it is equally true, that evident design shines out in every part of the universe. But we reason exclusively, if with the Deist, we thence infer the existence of one, and only one, supreme designer. That a universe, upon which design is so evidently impressed, must have been created, is indeed abundantly clear; nor will this point be ever controverted, save by the gross folly of Atheism." Perhaps so, Mr. Faber, but with submission, we have in former papers thrown such a peculiar kind of dust in the eyes of our readers, that we doubt very much whether the idea of a universe created from nothing will be "abundantly clear,' the "must," notwithstanding; and the " gross folly of Atheism," we shall come to by-and-by. We agree with Mr. Faber, that the universe, if created as the Deist admits by one supreme god, it is not clear whether created by one or many. Deists are an easy prey to theologians who feel their advantage, and make the most of it. Atheists are made of different stuff, which they find it dangerous to grapple with. Atheists admit not the possibility of an absolute creation, and deny that there is "evident design impressed upon the universe." The " gross folly" of Atheism has never yet been shown, the gross folly of all theological systems has been a thousand times. of reasoning be obtained, and that the choi of opinions does not lie as some have assert between absurdity on the one hand, and incor prehensibility on the other. It is admitted ! correct thinkers, that what reason cannot con prehend, reason should not affirm, nor adm as knowledge, ideas which have no prototy in nature. But when men will affirm what i admit none can know, it is the part of reas to assert itself, and by denying the wisdom such a course, expose the emptiness of su assertions. It is in vain that theologians wou make the existence or non-existence of a g an exceptional question, by declaring that re son is fallible and incompetent to deal with for if fallible in the Atheist it is surely no le so in the Christian. Christians appeal to re son, and all godly people must know th scripture itself declares, that those who appe to reason, by reason must abide. Reason most unquestionably a fallible, but it is neve theless man's best guide, for faith, if it may called a guide, is confessedly a blind one, a when the blind lead the blind-but the prove One advantage the theologian has in all dis-is quite musty. It is besides utterly inco cussions upon this vital question, and that solitary but great advantage is the rooted prejudice in favour of their side of the argument, which almost universally prevails. Theologians have so long been accustomed to find all at their own disposal upon so delicate, and to all who oppose them dangerous, a point, that they have seldom found it necessary, and therefore rarely attempted, to prove the existence of a god by pure reason. Rant and violence has passed for reason, and invective for solid argument. The bulk of mankind have hitherto been so blinded by passion as to be unable to perceive truths the most obvious and palpable. To question the existence of a god has always been accounted most frightful blasphemy, and as scepticism with regard to such an existence would have shaken to its base the power of the priests, it cannot be matter of surprise that they should make belief in a god the groundwork of popular education, and fix that notion in human organism, which, in the language of Fichte, is "the fundamental principle of all false metaphysics." sistent in theologians to rant and rave agair reason, for when reason answers their purpo as just shown from Mr. Faber's book, th don't scruple to use it; and it is only wh beaten from the field of argument that th fly for refuge to faith. Theologians say th Atheism is made up of opinions false, foolis and monstrous, and affirm as something p contradiction, that "god made heaven a earth, and all things therein, visible and invi ble." The sea, say they, is his, for he ma it, and his hand formed the dry land. A cre tor, and therefore designer is admitted as beft noted by Deists as well as Christians. Indee all sincere religionists must believe in a god whom the world was first produced, and th formed or moulded into its present sha Saint Paul was evidently a designer, as appel from Epistle to the Romans, where it is wr ten that "the universal things of him (ge from the creation of the world are clearly se being understood by things that are mad He even goes so far as to say, that unbeliev are without excuse, or at all events that Jews, who had " clearly seen" invisible thin were so. Some designers love to dwell up the infinite wisdom and goodness of god, wh Theologians insist, and rightly insist, that to disturb the belief in a god, is to undermine all religious systems, and to pave the way to the extremest latitudinarianism. This would un-"mercy, they say, endureth for ever." Th doubtedly be the consequence of Atheism, and that is the very best reason why all who think "the truth shall set men free" should strain every nerve for satisfaction in so important a particular. Well cultivated reason alone can decide whether the theologian who affirms, or the Atheist who denies the existence of an intelligent first-cause, is justified by human experience of the properties, analogies, and general nature of things. It will be shown in these papers that satisfaction may by a right course enlarge upon the order, harmony, and m admirable wisdom, displayed in the works creation. The beauty of the lily, the delici fragrance of the rose, the regular motions a brilliant appearance of the planets, with universal and most admirable adaptation means to ends, are most eloquently insis upon, as innumerable proofs of god's bene lence and artistic skill. To such believers only wonder is how any men can be found blindly obstinate as not to see and appreci ligion has been “a rhapsody of words," virtue ich wonderful “signs and wonders." That irds were made to fly, fishes to swim, and ucks to lay eggs, seems to them as certain as ta pistol is not a haystack. Some have not en content to say that eyes were made to see, ngues to talk, and hands to grasp; but ought, they discovered the surpassing wisdom f god, in providential cares less obvious, but o less real and useful. Never are designers ore eloquent and passionate than when desanting upon "the fitness of things in this est possible of worlds." The very enthusiastic are supposed that winds were designed to low our ships into port, the sea designed to salt to preserve it from corruption. Hurrianes, which spread desolation over vast connents, and have proved very useful in clearing he air of vermin, are therefore most obvious marks of god's wisdom. Earthquakes, which evour whole cities, and volcanic eruptions, which burn them and their wretched inhabiants, designers consider as seeming evils, and herefore seeming disparagements of god's wisdom; but seen from a right point of view, t appears necessary for the harmony of the phole, just as sores and ulcers upon the human body will often preserve it in healthfulness and vigour. That we cannot see without eyes, walk without legs, or think very well without brains, is indisputable; but that the eye was made to see, the legs made to walk, or the brain made to think, is, to the philosopher, just absurd as to say stones were made to break beads, legs were made to wear stockings, or sheep made to have their throats cut. It is worthy of remark, that designers, while they Kay god is the author of all things, wish to exclude sin from the category, nor is it un-nor could an artist infinitely wise fashion an asual to hear divines say, god is the maker of heaven and earth, and all that is therein contained, all things "visible and invisible," but not the creater of sin and evil. These arise from the corruptions of man's nature, and were designed by the devil. Which kind of doctrine rads to the inference, that there are two designers, all good being designed by god, all vil by the adversary. imperfect universe. God, says Epicurus, If Epi C. S. A devil, indeed, seems as necessary to a perfect theological system, as a god or angels; and we hold it a principle, that the Deist who admits a god, creator, and moderator of all things, cannot reasonably refuse a belief in angels or devils. The existence of a god can as little be shown upon natural principles, as that of angels or devils, while there are many powerful reasons that may be urged why aditting the existence of an intelligent god, ORIENTAL GREATNESS.-Saladin, conqueror of draws after it that of an intelligent devil. the East, who held Jerusalem at the time of Man's inhumanity to man, has made countless the crusades, by his will left charities to be mllions mourn, the earth has been through all given to Jews, Christians (his enemies), Moknown time one vast scene of desolation. The hamedans, &c., &c., without distinction of avageness of men has exceeded that of the class, sect, party, or country. We are as far fiercest beasts; the empire of lust, cruelty, and behind the heathen in greatness and liberality, fanaticism has stretched from pole to pole; re-as we are remote from the reason, philosophy, and nobleness of the Greeks and Romans. 111 NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. BALL AND CONCERT FOR THE BENEFIT OF M SOUTHWELL, at the Social Institution, John Stre Tottenham Court Road. The committee strongly urge on all the of GOD-WORSHIPPING.—' -There is a vast empire, his ministers are the priests; his subjec governed by a monarch, whose strange conduct mankind.-Good Sense, published by Cousin is very proper to confound the minds of his subjects. He wishes to be known, loved, respected, obeyed; but never shows himself to his subjects, and everything conspires to render uncertain the ideas, formed of his character. The people, subjected to his power, have, of We have received the Report of the Committ the character and laws of their invisible who express their highest satisfaction at the resu sovereign, such ideas only, as his ministers The attendance they state "was one of the most n give them. They, however, confess that they the walls of the Institution. Such a fact is the m merous and respectable that ever congregated with have no idea of their master; that his ways are to be prized, when we take into consideration th impenetrable; his views and nature totally in- the price of admission was more than is genera comprehensible. These ministers, likewise, charged on such occasions; but the commit disagree upon the commands which they pre-able, and they were willing to try if he did 1 thought Mr. SOUTHWELL'S conduct just and hon tend have been issued by the sovereign, whose stand in the same estimation with every intellige instruments they call themselves. They an- and truly liberal individual.” nounce them differently to each province of Mr. Lloyd Jones addressed the assembly in a ve appropriate and effective address, exposed the the empire. They defame one another, and surdity as well as injustice of the proceedings aga mutually treat each other as impostors and Mr. SOUTHWELL, and urged, with his usual force, false teachers. The decrees and ordinances, all present, not to slacken with their aid or influen in supporting him in his struggle. they take upon themselves to promulgate, are A Petition expressive of the Meeting's strong 4 obscure they are enigmas, little calculated to approbation of prosecutions for blasphemy, as bei be understood, or even divined, by the subjects, both unjust and impolitic, their high appreciation for whose instruction they were intended. The the intelligence and morality of the individual laws of the concealed monarch require inter-read aloud, and signed for presentation to le question, and praying for his immediate release preters; but the interpreters are always dis- houses of parliament. puting upon the true manner of understanding them. Besides, they are not consistent with themselves; all they relate of their concealed prince is only a thread of contradiction. They utter concerning him not a single word, that does not immediately confute itself. They call him supremely good; yet there is no one, who does not complain of his decrees. They suppose him infinitely wise; and under his administration, everything appears to contradict reason and good sense. They extol his justice; and the best of his subjects are generally the least favoured. They assert he sees everything; yet his presence avails nothing. He is, say they, the friend of order; yet throughout his dominions all is in confusion and disorder. He makes all for himself; and the events seldom answer his designs. He foresees every-words: "Man through ignorance falls an ey thing; but cannot prevent any thing. He impatiently suffers offence, yet gives every one the power of offending him. Men admire the wisdom and perfection of his works; yet his works, full of imperfection, are of short dura'tion. He is continually doing and undoing; repairing what he has made; but is never pleased with his work. In all his undertakings, he proposes his own glory; yet is never glorified. His only end is the happiness of his subjects; and his subjects, for the most part, want necessaries. Those whom he seems to favor are generally least satisfied with their fate; almost all appear in a perpetual revolt against a master, whose greatness they never cease to admire, whose wisdom to extol, whose goodness to adore, whose justice to fear, and whose laws to reverence, though never obeyed. This empire is the world; this monarch god; branches to take similar steps, Mr. SOUTHWE conscientious observance of truth "without m tery or fear of man," and his bold, uncon mising, honest conduct in the dissemination what he thinks to be truth, entitle him to t support. But there is a higher duty the m bers of the social body owe, and that a prompt efficient support of all conscientious Dissenters w present nearly four hundred. The body of the interfered with by an iniquitous law. There w being filled with dancers, and the large Coffee Ro being devoted to vocal entertainments, &c. The sum of £12 5s. 2d. was realised by the charge s. 6d. for single, and 2s. for double tickets. A ditional pound subscribed, made, in total received behalf of Mr. SOUTHWELL, £13 5s. 2d. A "TRUE ATHEIST" is as yet but on the thresh of true atheism. There is much to be learned be church militant. Though coarse, a very good a recruit enters the field against old soldiers of wholesome reflection is couched in the follo family of the necessaries of life. And what doe tim to a gang of bloodthirsty bigots who rol get in return. He is clothed in a mantle of sm stition and fed with the scanty sermons derived the brutalizing book." Let the "True Atheist" cipline his mind by reflection and writing. H. M.'s strange jumble of objections to athe and his "Great First Intelligent and Desig Cause" will be considered in the series of art under the head "Is there a God?" ERRATUM. The "Letter to the Socialiste' No. 11, should have been No. VI, not V. A reprint of No. 4, containing the "Jew Bo is now ready. PLAN OF ORGANIZATION FOR AN ANTI-PERS TION UNION.-The Committee who are now eng in preparing a plan will gladly receive suggestion Printed by G. J. HOLYOAKE, 179, Broomhall 5 Saturday, March 19, 1842. |